PASADENA – Officials for casino company MGM Resorts International say former chief executive Terry Lanni has died after a battle with cancer. He was 68.

Lanni, head of the company known then as MGM Mirage, died Thursday night at his home in Pasadena. Lanni led the Las Vegas company for more than 13 years, retiring in November 2008.

Under his tenure, MGM Mirage grew from a one-casino operation to owning the most casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, including the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, sons Sean and Patrick, as well as siblings. In a family statement, his wife and sons said Lanni’s death was peaceful, and came as he was surrounded by his family.

“So many have shared with us stories of the ways in which Terry touched their lives. He was a very humble man and would have found all the attention embarrassing,” the statement said. “Nonetheless, we are all proud of the positive impact he had on so many people’s lives and will forever seek ways in which to honor his memory.”

Jim Murren, Lanni’s successor at MGM Resorts and the company’s COO while Lanni led, said Lanni will be remembered for his leadership on diversity in the casino industry and his philanthropic efforts.

“Even as he faced these last months of his life, he did so with typical graces, courage and strength,” Murren told employees in a companywide note. “Like anyone who knew him, we can all learn to be better people by emulating his values personally and professionally.”

Kirk Kerkorian, the company’s top investor, called Lanni a trusted friend and invaluable colleague.

“There is virtually no one that I’ve respected more than Terry Lanni,” the billionaire investor said.

Frank Fahrenkopf, chief executive of the American Gaming Association, said Lanni had a knack for making the people around him better workers.

“Terry was the best kind of boss one could work for, and the best kind of friend one could hope for. Here was a man whose heart was truly as big as his intellect,” Fahrenkopf said. “We will miss his humor, his friendship and his ever thoughtful counsel. The industry has lost one of its true greats.”